Extend Your UK Visa Before It ExpiresComplete Extension Support for All Visa Types
Expert visa extension guidance with 98%+ success rate. From Skilled Worker to Spouse to Student visas - comprehensive support for your UK visa extension.
Apply 3 months before expiry. Fees: £885-£1,590 + IHS £1,035/year. Section 3C leave protects you while pending. 8 weeks standard processing. Don't overstay - apply early for seamless extension!
*Success rates based on properly prepared cases. Home Office makes final decisions on all applications.
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What is UK Visa Extension?
Visa extension allows you to stay longer in the UK on your current visa type without leaving the country. Whether you hold a Skilled Worker visa, Spouse visa, Student visa, or other eligible visa, extending before expiry ensures continuous legal status and avoids overstaying consequences.
Stay in UK
Continue living in UK without leaving. Section 3C leave protects you while extension is pending.
Continue Working
Keep working for same employer on same conditions while your extension application is processed.
Seamless Process
Apply online from UK, give biometrics, and wait for decision. No need to return to home country.
Avoid Overstaying
Prevent overstaying consequences by extending before expiry. Overstaying damages immigration history.
Path to ILR
Each extension counts toward your 5-year qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Family Extensions
Extend visa for dependents (spouse and children) at the same time as your main extension application.
Why Visa Extension Matters
Extending your UK visa before expiry is critical for maintaining legal status and progressing toward permanent residence. All visa types have expiry dates - ignoring them leads to overstaying, which causes automatic application refusal and can result in 1-10 year bans from UK. Extension process varies by visa: Skilled Worker holders need valid Certificate of Sponsorship from employer (£885 + IHS); Spouse visa holders must prove relationship still genuine and meet financial requirement (£1,321 + IHS); Student visa holders need new CAS from educational institution (£490 + student IHS). Apply 3 months before expiry for optimal timing - earlier applications rejected, late applications risk overstaying. Section 3C leave is automatic protection when you apply before expiry - you can stay, work, and study on same conditions while awaiting decision (typically 8 weeks). Processing options: Standard (8 weeks free), Priority (5 days, £500 extra), Super Priority (1 day, £1,000 extra). Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) required for all extensions: £1,035/year for most visas, £776/year for students. Some visas have extension limits: Graduate visa CANNOT extend (switch to Skilled Worker instead), Student visas limited by course length, Youth Mobility visa no extensions. Other visas extend indefinitely until ILR: Skilled Worker, Spouse visa (every 30 months), UK Ancestry. Extension differs from switching - extension means MORE TIME on SAME visa, switching means changing to DIFFERENT visa type. Don't miss deadline - even 1 day overstay causes serious consequences!
Who Can Extend UK Visa?
Skilled Worker visa holders (extend indefinitely every 3-5 years)
Spouse/Partner visa holders (extend every 30 months toward ILR)
Student visa holders (limited extensions for continued study)
UK Ancestry visa holders (extend once for further 5 years)
Innovator Founder visa holders (extend with business endorsement)
Most work visas and family visas (check specific visa type rules)
Visa Extension Overview
Apply 3 months before current visa expires (not earlier, not later!)
Fees vary: £885-£1,590 + Immigration Health Surcharge £1,035/year
Processing: 8 weeks standard, 5 days priority (£500), 1 day super priority (£1,000)
Section 3C leave: Stay and work legally while extension pending
Must meet same requirements as original visa (salary, relationship, etc.)
Biometrics required: Fingerprints and photo at UKVCAS center
Visa Extension Requirements for Loading...
Requirements vary by visa type but core principles apply to all extensions. Meet these requirements to ensure successful extension of your UK visa.
Skilled Worker Extension
Extend Skilled Worker visa to continue working for same or different sponsor. Can extend indefinitely every 3-5 years until ILR (after 5 years total).
Requirements:
- Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from licensed sponsor
- Salary meets minimum threshold: £38,700+ (or going rate for job, whichever higher)
- Job on eligible occupation list (SOC code)
- English language at B1 level (already proven for current visa)
- Apply before current visa expires
Cost: £885 + £3,105 IHS (3 years) = £3,990
Processing: 8 weeks standard. Can change employer if new sponsor provides CoS. Extension counts toward 5-year ILR qualifying period.
Spouse Visa Extension
Extend spouse/partner visa for further 30 months. After 5 years total (initial 33 months + 30-month extension), eligible for ILR instead of further extension.
Requirements:
- Relationship still genuine and subsisting (marriage/partnership continuing)
- Financial requirement: £29,000+ annual income (or £16,000+ cash savings)
- English language at A2 level (first extension) or B1 (second extension)
- Adequate accommodation for couple (not overcrowded)
- Living together in UK (cohabitation evidence required)
Cost: £1,321 + £2,587.50 IHS (2.5 years) = £3,908.50
Processing: 8 weeks standard. Extension counts toward 5-year ILR route. After 5 years total, apply for ILR instead of extending again!
Student Visa Extension
Extend student visa for continued studies at higher level or further qualification. Limited extensions - cannot study indefinitely on student visa.
Requirements:
- CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from licensed institution
- Academic progression (higher level course or continuing doctorate)
- Financial evidence: £1,023/month London, £820/month outside London (9 months)
- English language requirement (SELT or institution's test)
- Within study time limits (2 years bachelor's, 2 years master's, 4 years PhD)
Cost: £490 + £776/year student IHS
Processing: 8 weeks standard. Limited extensions - after completing studies, switch to Graduate visa (2-3 years) then Skilled Worker for work and ILR path.
Other Visa Extensions
Many other UK visa types can be extended before expiry. Each has specific requirements and extension limits. Some visas cannot extend and require switching instead.
Extendable visas:
- UK Ancestry visa: Extend once for further 5 years (£531 + £5,175 IHS)
- Innovator Founder visa: Extend with business endorsement (£1,590 + IHS)
- Global Talent visa: Extend up to 5 years at a time
- Religious Worker visa: Extend for further time on same role
Cannot extend (must switch):
- Graduate visa: 2-3 years fixed (switch to Skilled Worker after)
- Youth Mobility visa: 2 years maximum (no extensions allowed)
- Fiance(e) visa: 6 months only (marry and switch to Spouse visa)
Check Your Visa Extension Eligibility
Each visa type has unique extension rules and limits. We assess your specific visa and advise on extension eligibility, timing, and requirements. Contact us for personalized guidance.
Application Timing
CRITICAL: Don't Miss Deadline!
Timing is everything for visa extensions. Apply too early = rejected. Apply too late = overstaying. Apply at right time = smooth extension with Section 3C protection.
Extension timing rules:
- Can apply: 3 months (90 days) before current visa expires
- Optimal timing: 2-3 months before expiry (allows processing time)
- Too early: Applications 4+ months before expiry are rejected
- Last-minute: Can apply up to day before expiry (risky!)
- After expiry: Overstaying - serious consequences!
Section 3C Leave Protection
If you apply BEFORE visa expires, Section 3C leave automatically extends your visa on same conditions while awaiting decision. You can stay, work, and study legally during processing. This protection is CRITICAL - only applies if applied before expiry!
Extension Costs
Visa extension costs include application fee, Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and optional priority processing. Fees vary significantly by visa type and extension length.
Fee breakdown by visa type:
- Skilled Worker: £885 + £1,035/year IHS (3-year extension = £3,990 total)
- Spouse visa: £1,321 + £1,035/year IHS (2.5-year extension = £3,908.50 total)
- Student visa: £490 + £776/year IHS (student rate, varies by course length)
- UK Ancestry: £531 + £1,035/year IHS (5-year extension = £5,706 total)
- Innovator Founder: £1,590 + £1,035/year IHS (3-year = £4,695 total)
Optional priority services:
- Priority Service: £500 extra (decision within 5 working days)
- Super Priority Service: £1,000 extra (decision within 1 working day)
- Standard processing: 8 weeks (no extra fee)
All Fees Non-Refundable
Visa fees and IHS are non-refundable even if application refused. Ensure you meet all requirements before applying. We help verify eligibility and prepare applications to maximize approval chances.
UK Visa Extension Process
Follow these 6 steps to successfully extend your UK visa. We guide you through each stage from eligibility verification to receiving your new BRP with extended leave.
Check Visa Expiry Date and Extension Eligibility
First, locate exact expiry date on your BRP card (biometric residence permit) - front of card shows expiry date. Check if your visa type can be extended: Skilled Worker (yes), Spouse visa (yes), Student visa (limited), Graduate visa (NO - must switch instead), Youth Mobility (NO). Verify you meet requirements: Skilled Worker needs valid CoS from sponsor; Spouse visa needs genuine relationship continuing; Student needs new CAS from institution. Calculate optimal application timing: Can apply 3 months before expiry, recommended 2-3 months before to allow 8-week processing. If expiry within 1 month, consider Priority (£500) or Super Priority (£1,000) processing. We help verify your visa type, expiry date, extension eligibility, and optimal timing for your application.
Gather Required Documents for Your Visa Type
Collect all documents needed for your specific visa extension. ALL extensions need: Current passport, current BRP card, previous passports, previous visa approval letters. Skilled Worker extension needs: Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from employer, 12 months' payslips, bank statements, employment contract, P60, sponsor license details. Spouse visa extension needs: Relationship evidence (joint bills, joint bank account, photos, messages), financial evidence (6 months' payslips + bank statements OR £16,000+ savings held 6 months), accommodation proof (tenancy/mortgage), English test at A2 or B1 level. Student extension needs: CAS from institution, financial evidence (£1,023/month London or £820/month outside for 9 months), academic progression proof (transcripts, certificates). Organize documents chronologically, label clearly, ensure names match across documents, translate non-English documents. We provide detailed checklist for your visa type and review documents before submission.
Complete Online Application and Pay Fees
Apply online through gov.uk using appropriate extension form for your visa type (e.g., "Extend Skilled Worker visa" or "Extend Spouse visa"). Application requires detailed information: Personal details, passport information, current visa details, employment/relationship history, address history, travel history, criminal history (if any), immigration history. Takes 2-3 hours to complete - can save and return later. Double-check ALL information carefully - errors cause delays or refusals. Pay application fee by debit/credit card (e.g., £885 Skilled Worker, £1,321 Spouse visa). Pay Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for full extension period upfront (£1,035/year for most visas, £776/year for students). Choose Priority Service if needed (£500 for 5 days, £1,000 for 1 day, or standard free 8 weeks). Save application reference number - you'll need it for biometrics and tracking. Receive confirmation email with appointment booking instructions.
Attend Biometric Appointment at UKVCAS Center
Book biometric appointment online after submitting application - choose UKVCAS center near you (London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, etc.) and convenient time slot. Appointments usually available within 1-2 weeks but can book earlier for faster processing. Bring to appointment: Appointment confirmation, current passport, current BRP card, application reference number. Arrive 10 minutes early. At center: Fingerprints scanned (all 10 fingers), digital photo taken, signature captured (5-10 minutes total). Optional document scanning service available (£60 - scan documents at appointment instead of posting, keep originals). Biometric enrollment confirmation issued. Processing CANNOT start until biometrics given - book early appointment! Standard biometric included in visa fee. Prime Time slots (early morning, evening, weekends) available for £50 extra if needed. Family members need separate appointments (can book together if available).
Wait for Decision (Section 3C Leave Protects You)
After biometrics, Home Office processes your extension application. Processing times: Standard (free) = 8 weeks average; Priority (£500) = 5 working days; Super Priority (£1,000) = 1 working day. While waiting, Section 3C leave automatically extends your current visa on SAME conditions - you can stay in UK legally, continue working for same employer (if work visa), continue studying (if student visa), access NHS. This protection lasts until decision made - no time limit! Can track application online using reference number. Home Office may request additional documents - respond within 10 days of request to avoid delays. Do NOT travel abroad during Section 3C leave (risky - may not be allowed back in). Continue normal activities: Work, study, rent accommodation, banking, daily life. Home Office conducts background checks: Criminal records, immigration history, employer verification (Skilled Worker), tax records. Most straightforward extensions decided within processing time. Complex cases may take longer. No interview required for most extensions.
Receive Decision and New BRP with Extended Leave!
Once approved, you'll receive decision email and letter confirming visa extension granted! New BRP (biometric residence permit) sent by courier to your address within 7-10 days - sign for delivery (cannot leave without signature). New BRP shows extended expiry date - check all details correct (name, date of birth, visa type, expiry date). Old BRP automatically cancelled - destroy it securely (cut through chip). Your visa is now extended! You can continue living, working, studying in UK on same visa type for extended period. Update records: Inform employer of new BRP (right to work), update DVLA if you drive, update bank/mobile provider if requested. Extension period: Skilled Worker usually 3-5 years, Spouse visa 30 months, Student visa varies by course. This extension counts toward your qualifying period for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) - after 5 years total on Skilled Worker or Spouse visa, apply for ILR instead of extending again! Keep new BRP safe - it's your proof of legal status in UK. If lost or damaged, report immediately and apply for replacement. Congratulations on successful visa extension!
Typical Extension Timeline
3 months before expiry: Check eligibility, gather documents, prepare application
2 months before expiry: Submit online application, pay fees, book biometric appointment
Within 1-2 weeks: Attend UKVCAS for biometrics (fingerprints and photo)
Weeks 1-8: Home Office processes extension (Section 3C leave protects you)
Week 8: Decision received (approval or refusal)
Week 8-9: New BRP delivered by courier if approved
After approval: Continue living in UK with extended visa - counts toward ILR!
Total: 8-10 weeks from application to new BRP. Apply early for smooth process with no overstaying risk!
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about visa extension timing, costs, processing, Section 3C leave, overstaying consequences, and extension vs switching visa types.
Speak to Extension Specialist
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Free Extension Eligibility Check
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98%+ Success Rate for Visa Extensions
Our specialist knowledge of visa extension requirements and immigration rules has helped over 18,600 applicants from Skilled Worker, Spouse, Student, UK Ancestry, and other visa categories successfully extend their UK visas with Loading... requirements. We guide you from expiry date verification to document preparation to biometric appointments to final BRP delivery, ensuring every requirement met perfectly and no overstaying risk. From 3-5 year Skilled Worker extensions to 30-month Spouse extensions to student visa extensions, we ensure your extension succeeds first time with seamless Section 3C leave protection throughout. Proper timing and complete applications are keys to success - let us help you extend smoothly.
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Our experienced team of immigration professionals is dedicated to helping you navigate the UK visa process with confidence.
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With decades of combined experience, our team has successfully helped thousands of families reunite in the UK.
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